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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a bureauan agency of the Department of Commerce, is the executive branch's principal advisory office on domestic and international telecommunications and information policies. Its mandate is to providestatutory mission includes providing greater access for all Americans to telecommunications services; supportsupporting U.S. efforts to open foreign markets; adviseadvising the President on international telecommunications negotiations; and fundfunding research for new technologies and their applications. It is also responsible for managing spectrum use by federal agencies.
The NTIA plays an important role in representing U.S. interests in the Internet internationally, including an active role in the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is an international entity that develops policies to support the Internet worldwide. NTIA actively participates in ICANN as a member of the Governmental Advisory Committee, which provides advice to ICANN. NTIA also currently contracts with ICANN to manage the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and to perform other duties. In March 2014, the NTIA announced its intention to relinquish its authority over ICANN to a multi-stakeholder community when its current contract expires in September 2015. Subsequently, the NTIA extended the contract through FY2016. A report assessing the IANA transition proposal was released by the NTIA on June 9, 2016. On June 8, legislation (S. 3034) was introduced that would prevent the NTIA from disengaging from its role unless statutory authority to do so is established by Congress. A companion bill (H.R. 5418) was introduced June 9, 2016.
Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96)Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96), also known as the Spectrum Act, gives the NTIA responsibilities for improving public safety communications. It is requiredThe act required NTIA to assist with the development of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), created by Congress to deploy a nationwide public safety broadband network. ItNTIA is also required to assist in planning and funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) services, which refers to the transition to digital, Internet-based systems to replace existing analog systems, the 9-1-1 technology that are currently prevalent throughout the United States. The act, sometimes referred to as the Spectrum Act, also gave the NTIA new responsibilities and requirements for spectrum management, especially as regardsregarding the reallocation of federal spectrum. The Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 ( 2015 (P.L. 114-74, Title X) added further requirements for actions by the NTIA.
The NTIA also plays a central role in representing U.S. interests in the Internet internationally, including an active role in the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is an international entity that develops policies to support the Internet worldwide. NTIA participates in ICANN as a member of the Governmental Advisory Committee, which provides advice to ICANN.Between FY2010 and FY2011, the NTIA's budget for administration, salaries, and expenses more than doubled from $20, including identification of additional spectrum for nonfederal use.
. The, and the enacted amount for FY2015 was $38.2 million. This amount was supplemented by unobligated balances carried forward from the previous year, allowing for a FY2015 budget of nearly $42.9 million.
was $38.2 million. For FY2016, the enacted budget amount for the NTIA was $39.5 million, compared to a request for $49.2 million. The
The Obama Administration's budget request for FY2017 is $50.8 million. The Senate committee-reported amount for appropriations is $39.5 million (S. 2837); the House committee-reported amount is $36.3 million (H.R. 5393)was $50.8 million. As reported by the Senate, S. 2837 would have provided a total of $39.5 million to NTIA for FY2017. As reported by the House, H.R. 5393 would have provided $36.3 million. The Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 114-254), provides funding at about 99.8% of the FY2016 funding level for the NTIA through April 28, 2017. For FY2018, the budget blueprint released by the White House in March 2017 signaled support for NTIA's role in multi-stakeholder forums on Internet governance and digital commerce and agency efforts on efficient use of federal spectrum. No funding cuts were specified in the blueprint for NTIA, though an overall decrease of $1.5 billion from the FY2017 continuing resolution level was proposed for the Department of Commerce.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is a bureau inan agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) with a statutory mission to facilitate domestic and international telecommunications and information policy activities. The NTIA . The NTIA frequently works with other executive branch agencies to develop and present the Administration's position on key policy matters. It represents the executive branch in both domestic and international telecommunications and information policy activities. Policy areas in which the NTIANTIA further acts as a representative of the Administration in policy areas that include international negotiations regarding global agreements on the Internet and spectrum management, and domestic use of spectrum resources by federal agencies.
NTIA is headed by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, who is appointed by the President and acts as a principal advisor to the President on telecommunications and information policy matters; is the principal executive branch spokesman to Congress, the industry, state and local governments, and the public on such matters; is the key coordinator of the federal government's own communication systems; and is responsible for assisting in the formulation of the nation's overall telecommunications and information policy.1
The NTIA receives funding from both appropriations and reimbursable obligations, including sources such as fees charged to federal agencies for spectrum management services and reimbursable projects in telecommunications technology research. For budget appropriations For budget purposes, the NTIA organizes its programs into four broadmajor program categories for salaries and expenses: Domestic and International Policies, Spectrum Management, Advanced Communications Research, and Broadband Programs. Its budget report to Congress also includes information about NTIA obligations to support public safety, notably for the administration of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), an entity established by Congress to operate within the NTIA.
The FY2017 budget request for Domestic and International Policies is $15.832 million for salaries and expenses. This amount is comparable to the FY2016 request of $15.227 million. The enacted amount for FY2016 was $9.093 million.
In its FY2017 budget request, the NTIA asks for an increase in funding of $6.607 million and an increase in staff from 35 FTE to 45 FTE, notably to deepen expertise for initiatives in Internet policy and the digital economy.
The NTIA fulfills many roles. As the agency responsible for managing spectrum used by federal agencies, the NTIA often works in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on matters concerning spectrum access, technology, and policy. The FCC regulates private sector, state, local, and tribal spectrum use. Because many spectrum issues are international in scope and negotiated through treaty-making, the NTIA and the FCC collaborate with the Department of State in representing American interests. The NTIA also participates in interagency efforts to develop Internet policy and coordinate Internet-focused initiatives across the federal government. The NTIA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have adjoining facilities on the DOC campus in Boulder, CO, where they collaborate on research projects with each other and with other federal agencies, such as the FCC. In performing its various roles, the NTIA administers policies and programs through six main offices.3 The Office of Spectrum Management (OSM). OSM formulates and establishes plans and policies focused on the effective, efficient, and equitable use of spectrum both nationally and internationally. Through the development of long-range spectrum plans, OSM works to address future federal government spectrum requirements, including public safety operations. The OSM also handles the assignment of spectrum to meet the needs of federal agencies, provides spectrum certification for new federal agency telecommunication systems, and supports efforts to repurpose federal spectrum for nonfederal use. The Office of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD). OPAD is the domestic policy division of the NTIA. OPAD supports NTIA's role as principal adviser to the executive branch and the Secretary of Commerce on telecommunications and information policies by conducting research and analysis and preparing policy recommendations. The Office of International Affairs (OIA). OIA develops and implements policies to enhance U.S. companies' ability to compete globally in the information and communications technology (ICT) sectors. In consultation with other U.S. agencies and the U.S. private sector, OIA participates in international and regional fora to promote policies that open ICT markets and encourage competition. OIA supports the DOC's Internet Policy Task Force and NTIA's work with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and Internet policies with international scope. The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS). ITS is the research and engineering laboratory of the NTIA. ITS provides technical support to NTIA in advancing telecommunications and information infrastructure development, enhancing domestic competition, and promoting more efficient and effective use of the radio spectrum. Current areas of focus include research, development, and testing of technologies to support first-responder communications; test and demonstration networks for emerging communications devices; and resolution of interference issues. The Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA). OTIA administers grant programs that further the deployment and use of technology in America, and the advancement of other national priorities. In the past, OTIA awarded grants from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program, which was terminated by Congress in FY2011. The OTIA was also responsible for administering BTOP grants. The Office of Public Safety Communications (OPSC). OPSC was created by the NTIA at the end of 2012 to administer some provisions of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96), Title VI, also known as the Spectrum Act. The office also provides administrative and other support functions for FirstNet. For FY2017, as reported by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, S. 2837, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, would have provided $39.5 million for salaries and expenses, equal to the FY2016 funding level.4 As reported by the House Committee on Appropriations, H.R. 5393, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, would have provided $36.3 million.5 The Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 114-254), provides funding at about 99.8% of the FY2016 funding level for the NTIA through April 28, 2017. For FY2018, the White House's March 2017 budget blueprint signaled support for NTIA's role in multi-stakeholder forums on Internet governance and digital commerce, and agency efforts on efficient use of federal spectrum. The blueprint does not specify any funding cuts for NTIA, though an overall decrease of $1.5 billion from the FY2017 level authorized by P.L. 114-254 is proposed for the Department of Commerce.6 The Obama Administration's FY2017 budget request for Domestic and International Policies was $15.8 million, a $6.7 million (74.1%) increase over the FY2016 enacted amount of $9.1 million. The request also included an increase in staff from 35 full-time equivalents (FTEs) to 45 FTEs, primarily to deepen expertise for initiatives in Internet policy and the digital economy. Proposed uses of the requested funds spanned a range of activities, including support for the Obama Administration's Digital Economy Leadership Team (DELT), created in 2015; international representation in the ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee and global Internet Governance Forums; the formulation of domestic Internet policy; and facilitation of federal communications networks' transition to technologies using the Internet Protocol (IP).Uses of the requested funds include supporting the Administration's Digital Economy Leadership Team; international negotiations regarding the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN); the formulation of domestic Internet policy; and facilitating the transition of federal communications networksin 2012 as an independent agency within the NTIA.
Programs and Policies
to technologies using the Internet Protocol (IP).
The term digital economy, alternatively the Internet economy, refers in general to the impact of digital technologies and communications on business and the economy.2 The Department of Commerce has established a Digital Economy Agenda that focuses on four areas:
7In support of this agenda, the Department has created a Digital Economy Board of Advisors, with members of the inaugural board announced on March 29, 2016.3 The NTIA will provide assistance to the board, benefitting from its participation in the Digital Economy Leadership Team (DELT)—created in 2015 by the Secretary of Commerce—and a Digital Federal Advisory Committee.
On April 6, 2016, the NTIA initiated a notice and request for public comment on "The Benefits, Challenges, and Potential Roles for the Government in Fostering the Advancement of the Internet of Things [IoT]."9."4 After analyzing the comments, the NTIA intends to issue a ''issued a green paper'' that identifies key issues impactingaffecting deployment of these technologies, highlights potential benefits and challenges, and identifies possible roles forways in which the federal government tocould partner with the private sector to foster the advancement of IoT technologies.
Along with the Executive Office of the President, the Office of the Secretary of Commerce, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)NIST, and the International Trade Administration (ITA), the NTIA participates in the Internet Policy Task Force, created in 2010 by the Secretary of Commerce. The task force was established to review policy regarding privacy, copyright, cybersecurity, the global free flow of information, and innovation in the Internet economy.12 The FY2017 budget request included support for NTIA as the executive secretariat for the task force to coordinate efforts across a range of issues in the Internet economy, including policy, economic analysis, trade, and technical standards.
Beginning in5
The Obama Administration's FY2017 budget request for Spectrum Management included $8.9 million for salaries and expenses. This request was a 4.7% increase over the FY2016 enacted budget of $8.5 million, reflecting additional requirements of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-74, Title X), and an increase from 39 to 40 FTEs. To meet growing demand for wireless connectivity, the Obama Administration and Congress previously took steps to increase the amount of radio frequency spectrum available for mobile services such as access to the Internet.15Since 1998, the NTIA has played a key oversight role in ICANN, an international, not-for-profit entity that develops policies to support the Internet worldwide, notably through its coordination of the Internet naming system: the Domain Name System (DNS).613 ICANN is currentlywas previously under contract to NTIA to manage the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) for DNS and to perform other duties. After approving ICANN's proposal to transition stewardship of IANA functions to the private stakeholder community in June 2016,14 NTIA allowed its contract with ICANN to expire on September 30, 2016. Though NTIA no longer maintains a contract with ICANN, it retains an advisory role—along with other member nations—through its participation in ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee.
Spectrum Management
under contract to NTIA to manage the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) for DNS and to perform other duties. In March 2014, the NTIA announced its intention to relinquish its existing authority over ICANN, complying with an executive order to privatize the Internet over time, from President William Jefferson Clinton.7 The current contract is renewed on an annual basis with the option of extending the contract through 2019.The NTIA later extended the contract through FY20168 while a full proposal to transition stewardship of IANA functions was developed by global Internet stakeholders convened by ICANN. According to the NTIA, the resulting report meets the stated "criteria to complete privatization."9 The report will be sent to ICANN and to Congress, triggering congressional review.
Legislation (S. 3034 and H.R. 5418) has been introduced that would require explicit statutory authority for the NTIA regarding the functions covered by IANA "to terminate, lapse, expire, be cancelled, or otherwise cease to be in effect.... "10 Also, the bill would require the NTIA would to certify to Congress that it has secured sole ownership of .gov and .mil domains, in perpetuity.11 Concerns about the transition process are expressed in both the Senate and House Committee Reports.12 The House report would prohibit use of appropriated funds for the transition during FY2017, continuing a ban for the use of funds for this purpose during FY2016.
To meet growing demand for wireless connectivity, the Administration and Congress have taken steps to increase the amount of radio frequency spectrum available for mobile services such as access to the Internet.13
As part of President Obama's Wireless Initiative, the NTIA is charged with identifying electromagnetic spectrum that might be transferred from the federal sector to commercial wireless use.14 This spectrum might be auctioned as licenses for exclusive commercial use, made available for sharing between federal and commercial users, or repurposed in some other way that meetswould meet the stated goal of the Wireless Initiative to add 500 MHz of spectrum for wireless broadband.1517
Congress also hashas also required the NTIA to take actions to release spectrum from federal to commercial use and to ensure the efficient use of federal spectrum. Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012The Spectrum Act (P.L. 112-96), generally referred to as the Spectrum Act,, Title VI) requires the NTIA to identify federal spectrum that may be released for commercial use and to manage the transfer process for federal agencies. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-74) adds additional requirements in Title X, Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015.16
Proposals from policymakers to use federal spectrum to provide commercial mobile broadband services include the following:
NTIA assists other federal agencies with spectrum management, analysis and operations, and related services, and charges fees for reimbursement of incurred costs. Reimbursable obligations from spectrum management fees in FY2016 totaled $57.6 million.
Proposals from policymakers to provide commercial mobile broadband services through the use of federal spectrum have included
clearing federal users from designated frequencies for transfer to the commercial sector through a competitive bidding system20To support spectrum clearing, the NTIA, with input from the Policy and Plans Steering Group (PPSG),20 has21 produced a 10-year plan and timetable that identifiesidentifying bands of spectrum that might be available for commercial wireless broadband service. As part of its planning efforts, the NTIA prepared a "Fast Track Evaluation" ofto assess and recommend spectrum that might be made available in the near future.21
22 In June 2016, NTIA reported that, in coordination with the FCC, 245 MHz of spectrum had been made available as of the end of FY2015.23
Advisory committees provide the NTIA with additional spectrum management support from within and outside of the federal government. Many decisions regarding the use of federal spectrum are made with the participation of the Interdepartmental Radio Access Committee (IRAC).2224 IRAC membership comprises representatives of all branches of the U.S. military and a number of federal department agencies affected by spectrum management decisions.2325 The NTIA is also advised by the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC). The committeeCSMAC was created by the Department of Commerce in 2004 and is composed of experts from outside the federal government.2426 Both IRAC and CSMAC address spectrum-clearing and shared-spectrum solutions, and technology research through their committees. The Office of Management and Budget also influences agency spectrum management through budget planning and recommendations.
The enacted budget for spectrum management was $8.488 million in FY2016. The FY2017 budget request is $8.884 million, reflecting the additional requirements of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015. FTEs would increase from 39 to 40.
The Obama Administration's FY2017 budget request for Advanced Communications Research included $13.2 million for salaries and expenses, a $3.1 million (31%) increase over the FY2016 enacted amount of $10.1 million. The request also included an increase in FTEs from 50 to 58. The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), located in Boulder, CO, is the research and engineering arm of the NTIA. The ITS provides telecommunications research and engineering services to evaluate and promote new technology deployment, advanced telecommunications and information services, and more efficient use of spectrum. Activities highlighted in the FY2017 budget request included developing technologies to support spectrum sharing, conducting collaborative research with FirstNet and NIST through the CAC, and influencing the development of domestic and international communications standards. In addition to activities conducted through direct obligations, the ITS provides research services to other federal agencies and private entities on a reimbursable cost basis. Reimbursable project obligations for telecommunication sciences research in FY2016 totaled $10.8 million. The FY2017 budget request for broadband programs was $12.9 million, an increase of $1.1 million (9%) over the FY2016 enacted amount of $11.8 million. The number of FTEs would have remained constant at 36.NIST and the NTIA have jointly established a Center for Advanced Communications, in Boulder, CO. A key focus of the centerAdvanced Communications Research
will also providealso provides test beds for advanced communications technologies.
test beds for advanced communications technologies.
The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), located in Boulder, is the research and engineering arm of the NTIA. ITS provides core telecommunications research and engineering services to promote enhanced domestic competition and new technology deployment; advanced telecommunications and information services; foreign trade opportunities for American telecommunication firms; and more efficient use of spectrum.
The FY2017 budget request is for $13.212 million, compared to the enacted amount of $10.075 million in FY2016. The FY2016 budget recommendation for Advanced Communications Research was $12.555 million, including an increase of $4.828 million and 8 FTE new employees for the Center for Advanced Communications Research. Total FTEs would increase from 50 to 58.
Managing broadband programs and grants required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, P.L. 111-5) has been, including the BTOP grants, was a major thrust of the NTIA's broadband deployment programs sinceafter the law was enacted in 2009.25 ARRA (notably BTOP) grants must be closed out and uncommitted funds returned to the U.S. Department of the Treasury by September 30, 2015. Ongoing program features include outreach to improve digital literacy; maintaining a map of broadband availability nationwide (Broadband Map); research; and the development of case studies for deploying broadband in communities.
In January 2015, the NTIA announced that it willwould consolidate its efforts to assist community broadband deployment under a new advisory and assistance program, BroadbandUSA.2629 This program supports new initiatives for expanding and improving broadband deployment, as announced by the White House on January 13, 2015.2730 Among other steps, the NTIA alsohas held four regional workshops and released a public-private partnership primer, which provides a basic introduction to a variety of partnership models for communities considering new broadband projects.28
The FY2017 budget recommendation for broadband programs is $12.913 million for salaries and expenses. This would be an increase of approximately $1 million over the FY2016 enacted amount for these programs. The increase would go primarily to enlarge the BroadbandUSA program, which would also benefit from $3.178 million redirected from the BTOP grant program. The number of FTEs would remain constant at 36.
Proceeds from auctions of spectrum licenses as specified in the Spectrum Act are directed first into a Public Safety Trust Fund, created by the act. Some revenue in the Public Safety Trust Fund is designated for specific purposes, primarily public safety.29
The Spectrum Act gives the NTIA responsibilities to support the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) in planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications. The law provides for specific transfers from the Public Safety Trust Fund to be used for FirstNet.
All of the funding obligations of the Spectrum Act have been met with proceeds from auctions held in 2014-2015. Balances remaining in any fund created by the act are to revert to the Treasury in 2022 to be used "for the sole purpose of deficit reduction."30
The FY2017 budget request for the NTIA is $50.841 million for salaries and expenses. For FY2016, the Administration had proposed $49.2 million; Congress appropriated $39.5 million.
The FY2017 requested increase would have gone primarily to enlarge the BroadbandUSA program, which would also have benefited from $3.2 million redirected from the BTOP grant program. Ongoing program features highlighted in the budget request include continued oversight of the BTOP grants during the grant closeout period, community outreach to improve digital literacy and broadband adoption, and the documentation and sharing of best practices and tools for deploying broadband in communities. (budget authority in millions of dollars) FY2017 Program Category FY2014 Actual FY2015 Actual FY2016 Enacted Request Enacted Domestic and International Policies
Spectrum Management
Advanced Communications Research
Broadband Programs
Total NTIA
Source: Annual NTIA budget requests to Congress for FY2014-FY2017. H.R. 5393 as reported by the House Committee on Appropriations, and H.Rept. 114-605; and S. 2837, as reported by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and S.Rept. 114-239. Notes: The term "n/s" means "not specified." Totals may not add due to rounding. The Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 114-254) provides funding at about 99.8% of the FY2016 funding level for the NTIA through April 28, 2017. Proceeds from auctions of spectrum licenses as specified in the Spectrum Act are directed first into the Public Safety Trust Fund (the Fund), created by the act. Some revenue in the Public Safety Trust Fund is designated for specific purposes, primarily public safety.32 The Spectrum Act gives the NTIA responsibilities to support FirstNet in planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide broadband network for public safety communications. The law provides for specific transfers from the Fund for various uses, including up to $2 billion for establishing FirstNet.33 The law also provides $115 million from the Fund for NTIA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to carry out the Next Generation 9-1-1 Implementation Grants program. All of the funding obligations of the Spectrum Act have been met with proceeds from auctions held in 2014-2015. Balances remaining in any fund created by the act are to revert to the Treasury in 2022 to be used "for the sole purpose of deficit reduction."34 In FY2010, the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) represented half of the NTIA's budget appropriations. In FY2011, funding for the PTFP was eliminated, but the total enacted budget appropriations amount for the NTIA increased by 4% to $41.6 million, entirely for31
House Committee-Reported(H.R. 5393)
Senate Committee-Reported(S. 2837)
$6 .5
$7 .6
$9 .1
$15 .8
n/s
n/s
8 .0
8 .0
8 .5
8 .9
n/s
n/s
6 .8
7 .2
10 .1
13 .2
n/s
n/s
24 .7
15 .4
11 .8
12 .9
n/s
n/s
$46 .0
$38 .2
$39 .5
$50 .8
$36 .3
$39 .5
administrative expenses and salaries.
According to the NTIA, the increase of $21.6 million from FY2010 to FY2011 in funding for salaries and expenses was largely attributable to the costs of administration of athe $4.7 billion program for broadband deployment, as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5).31 In FY201237
Between FY2012 and FY2015, NTIA's funding requests related to broadband grant programs administration declined by over half. In FY2012, requests for funding to administer grant programs totaled $32.3 million, 70% of the fiscal year budget request. For FY2013, $25.8 million in funding was designated to administer the remaining broadband grant programs, primarily requested to administer BTOP. The FY2014 request for broadband grant program oversight was fordeclined slightly to $24.7 million, roughly 40% of the total budget request. ForAnd in FY2015, the requested appropriation for broadband programs was halved to $12.241 million, in a total proposed budget of $51.0from the FY2014 requested amount to $12.2 million.
The FY2015 request of $51.0 million for NTIA would have been an increase of $5 million over the enacted FY2014 budget amount of $46.0 million. The requested increase was attributed by the NTIA to an increased focus on policy oversight in two key areas: formulating domestic and international policies and expanding the availability of broadband communications. New programs identified in the FY2015 budget request included athe Center for Advanced Communications, a cooperative effort with NIST to advance spectrum sharing and innovation. Further, for FY2015, the NTIA proposed $7.5 million to fund an Internet Policy Center to provide analysis and recommendations related to all aspects of the Internet. For FY2015, Congress appropriated $38.2 million for NTIA salaries and expenses.
Significant increases were also proposed for Advanced Communications Research and for Domestic and International Policies in the FY2016 and FY2017 budget recommendations. The FY2017 budget request for Advanced Communications Research is for $13.212 million, compared to the enacted amount of $10.075 million in FY2016. The $12.555 million proposed for FY2016 included an increase of $4.828 million and 8 FTE new employees for the Center for Advanced Communications Research.
The FY2017 budget request for Domestic and International Policies is $15.832 million for salaries and expenses. This amount is comparable to the FY2016 request of $15.227 million. The enacted amount for FY2016 was $9.093 million.
In FY2015, the number of FTE employees in programs requiring appropriations was 121; in FY2016 the number had increased to 160 FTEs. The requested budget for FY2017 for salaries and expenses includes 177 FTEs. The rate of increase in FTEs suggests a reduction of non-salary costs covered by appropriations.
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FY2010 |
FY2011 |
FY2012 (in millions of current dollars)
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FY2010 Enacted
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FY2011 Enacted
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FY2012 Enacted FY2013 Enacted |
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FY2014 Enacted |
FY2015 |
FY2016 Enacted |
FY2017 |
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NTIA total |
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Administration, salaries and expenses |
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PTFP |
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Source: Annual Reports, Department of Commerce and Congressional Appropriations, as enacted.
Notes: PTFP is the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program, for which funding was terminated in FY2011.bFY2010 to FY2017 annual NTIA budget requests to Congress.
In addition to appropriations, the NTIA also receives funding from The Obama Administration requested $50.8 million for salaries and expenses for FY2017. The Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (P.L. 114-254) provides funding at about 99.8% of the FY2016 funding level for the NTIA through April 28, 2017.
Reimbursable funding. In addition to appropriations listed in the tables, the NTIA receives funding from reimbursable obligations, including sources such as fees charged to federal agencies for spectrum management services and reimbursable projects in telecommunications technology research. Reimbursable funding for FY2015 iswas reported as $36.1 million (139 FTEs), with $29.3 million for spectrum management fees. FY2016 estimates for reimbursable funding totaltotaled $57.7 million (160 FTEs), with almost $47.0 million from spectrum management fees. Projected amounts for FY2017 are for a total ofAccording to NTIA's FY2017 budget request, reimbursable funding for FY2017 is projected to be $44.1 million (170 FTEs), with $35.6 million provided byfrom spectrum management fees. The Senate committee report (S. 239) on appropriations for FY2017 would requirehave required the NTIA to submit a report to the committee "detailing the collection of reimbursements from other agencies"
Author Contact Information Acknowledgments This report was originally prepared by [author name scrubbed]. Duties of the Assistant Secretary as described in a job posting for Executive Director of FirstNet on USAJobs, https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/389363200. For additional information on broadband awards supported by ARRA, see CRS Report R41775, Background and Issues for Congressional Oversight of ARRA Broadband Awards, by [author name scrubbed]. Office of Management and Budget, America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again, March 2017, pp. 13-14, https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/budget/fy2018/2018_blueprint.pdf. Department of Commerce, "The Commerce Department's Digital Economy Agenda," November 9, 2015, https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2015/11/commerce-departments-digital-economy-agenda.Projected."
Personnel. For FY2017, projected employment for all programs, —using both appropriated funds and reimbursable obligations—would have been 347 FTEs if fully funded. This would have been an increase over the total number of 320 total FTEs for all NTIA programs in FY2016, and 260 total FTEs in FY2015. For program positions funded through appropriations, the FY2017 budget request included 177 FTEs, compared to 160 FTEs in FY2016 and 121 FTEs in FY2015.
Footnotes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
87.
using both appropriated funds and fees, for FY2017 would be 347, if fully funded. In FY2015, the FTE total was 260.
The NTIA fulfills many responsibilities for different constituencies. As the agency responsible for managing spectrum used by federal agencies, the NTIA often works in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on matters concerning spectrum access, technology, and policy. The FCC regulates private sector, state, local, and tribal spectrum use. Because many spectrum issues are international in scope and negotiated through treaty-making, the NTIA and the FCC collaborate with the Department of State in representing American interests. The NTIA also participates in interagency efforts to develop Internet policy and to ensure that Internet-focused initiatives across the government are coordinated. The NTIA and NIST have adjoining facilities on the Department of Commerce campus in Boulder, CO, where they collaborate on research projects with each other and with other federal agencies, such as the FCC.
The NTIA worked with the Rural Utilities Service in coordinating grants made through BTOP. The NTIA collaborates with NIST, the FCC, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in providing expertise and guidance to grant recipients using BTOP funds to build new wireless networks for broadband communications.
As described by the NTIA,32 its policies and programs are administered through
Effective FY2011, Congress terminated grant funding for the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP). In FY2010, the program received $20 million in funding to support broadcast and non-broadcast projects. Approximately half of the grant monies went to public radio and television stations to replace equipment. Another 25% of grant funds were awarded to bring radio and television services to unserved or underserved communities. Other awards included grants to 16 public television and radio stations to cover costs of converting from analog to digital broadcasting. These grants helped the Public Broadcasting Service to maintain and improve its critical rolein the current Emergency Alert System (EAS) and new initiatives for Wireless Emergency Alerts (also known as commercial mobile alerts).33 For example, the satellite communications network that supports EAS is operated by the National Public Radio, public television stations provide backup for Wireless Emergency Alerts to mobile devices, and public television and radio stations provide emergency alerts and information to otherwise unserved communities.
Author Contact Information
| 1. |
Duties of the Assistant Secretary as described in a job posting for Executive Director of FirstNet on USAJobs, https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/389363200. |
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| 2. |
Department of Commerce, "The Commerce Department's Digital Economy Agenda," November 9, 2015, https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2015/11/commerce-departments-digital-economy-agenda. |
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Department of Commerce, "U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Announces Appointees to Inaugural Digital Economy Board of Advisors," March 29, 2016, https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2016/03/us-secretary-commerce-penny-pritzker-announces-appointees-inaugural. |
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| 12.
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See https://www.ntia.doc.gov/category/internet-policy-task-force. |
For a discussion of ICANN and related issues, see CRS Report R42351, Internet Governance and the Domain Name System: Issues for Congress, by [author name scrubbed]. Also, see CRS Report R44022, The Future of Internet Governance: Should the United States Relinquish Its Authority over ICANN?, by [author name scrubbed]. |
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NTIA |
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| 10. |
S. 3034, Sec. 3. |
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| 11. |
S. S034, Sec. 4. |
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| 12. |
For example, House Committee Report 114-605: "... any such transition represents a significant public policy change and should be preceded by an open and transparent process." Senate Committee Report 114-239: "The Committee continues to be concerned about this process and the security of the .gov and .mil domains." |
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For a discussion of spectrum demand, technology, innovation, and competition, see CRS Report R43595, Mobile Technology and Spectrum Policy: Innovation and Competition, by [author name scrubbed]. |
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The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, "Presidential Memorandum: Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution," June 28, 2010, |
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Spectrum is segmented into bands of radio frequencies and typically measured in cycles per second, or hertz. Standard abbreviations for measuring frequencies include kHz—kilohertz or thousands of hertz; MHz—megahertz, or millions of hertz; and GHz—gigahertz, or billions of hertz. |
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| 16. |
The provisions in these laws and the actions of the NTIA are discussed in CRS Report R44433, Framing Spectrum Policy: Legislative Initiatives, by [author name scrubbed]. |
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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) provided testimony on the topic of sharing: Spectrum Management: Federal Government's Use of Spectrum and Preliminary Information on Sharing, September 13, 2012, GAO-12-1018T; and a report: Spectrum Management: Incentives, Opportunities, and Testing Needed to Enhance Spectrum Sharing, November 14, 2012, GAO-13-7. |
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The NTIA has made the development of spectrum-sharing methods a priority. Information on specific actions is at NTIA, "Spectrum Sharing," http://www.ntia.doc.gov/category/spectrum-sharing. |
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NTIA, "An Assessment of Near-Term Viability of Accommodating Wireless Broadband Systems in the 1675-1710 MHZ, 1755-1780 MHz, 3500-3650 MHz, and 4200-4220 MHz, 4380-4400 MHZ Bands (President's Spectrum Plan Report)," November 15, 2010, http://www.ntia.doc.gov/report/2010/assessment-near-term-viability-accommodating-wireless-broadband-systems-1675-1710-mhz-17. See also NTIA, " |
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24.
NTIA, "Sixth Interim Progress Report on the Ten-Year Plan and Timetable," June 2016, https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_6th_interim_progress_report_on_ten-year_timetable_june_2016.pdf. |
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Members are listed at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/page/irac-functions-and-responsibilities. |
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For a discussion of grant programs and broadband deployment, see CRS Report R41775, Background and Issues for Congressional Oversight of ARRA Broadband Awards, by [author name scrubbed]. |
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29.
Funding was initially required to be closed out and uncommitted funds returned to the U.S. Department of the Treasury by September 30, 2015. The Continuing Resolution Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-53), section 121, extended the availability of already-obligated BTOP funding through FY2020. |
NTIA Blog, "NTIA Announces BroadbandUSA Effort to Assist Communities with Broadband Plans," January 13, 2015, http://www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2015/ntia-announces-broadbandusa-effort-assist-communities-broadband-plans. |
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The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, Fact Sheet: Broadband That Works: Promoting Competition and Local Choice in Next-Generation Connectivity, January 13, 2015, |
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P.L. 112-96, §6413, 126 Stat. 235. |
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34.
P.L. 112-96, §6207, provided NTIA with the authority to borrow up to $2.0 billion from the U.S. Department of the Treasury prior to the deposit of auction proceeds into the Fund. Per P.L. 112-96, §6413(b), NTIA is to reimburse the Treasury for amounts borrowed using amounts deposited in the Fund. This subsection also specifies additional, prioritized authorized uses of the Fund. |
P.L. 112-96, §6413, 126 Stat. 236. |
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| 33. | Background information on FEMA and FCC websites, such as http://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-system-eas. 36.
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U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, FY2011 Budget as Presented to Congress, February 2010, p. NTIA-4. https://www.ntia.doc.gov/legacy/budget/NTIA_FY2011_Congressional_Budget.pdf. 37.
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This amount was later reduced by Congress to $4.4 billion. |